Poker is a card game in which players bet with their chips (representing money) according to the rules of the variant being played. The object of the game is to win the pot, which is awarded to the player with the highest hand at the conclusion of the betting period. Players may also bluff, raising bets to encourage players with inferior hands to fold.
A standard deck of 52 cards is used, although some games use multiple packs or add jokers as wild cards. The rank of cards in a poker hand is determined by their probability, with a pair being the lowest and a straight flush the highest. Usually, the suits are spades, diamonds and clubs, but some games use other suits or add wild cards.
When betting rounds are complete, the remaining players engage in a showdown, revealing their cards and evaluating their hands. The player with the best hand wins the pot. If two or more hands are equal, the winnings are divided equally.
Bets are placed into the pot in a clockwise manner. Each player has the option to call a bet made by the player to his left, raise it, or fold. Trying to see the hole cards of the person sitting next to you, counting their chips or moving them close to the middle of the table is considered poor etiquette and against the rules. However, it is important to practice and observe experienced players so you can develop quick instincts.